Double Coverage

#75: Dissecting Bulldogs, Rebels after season-opening wins – 09/07/17

Mississippi State and Ole Miss both started their 2017 seasons in fine fashion. The Bulldogs easily dispatched FCS foe Charleston Southern, 49-0, while the Rebels ran past South Alabama, 47-27.

On this episode, Logan looks back at what he calls the most dominant defensive performance he’s ever seen (3:01). MSU allowed only 33 total yards of offense against the Buccaneers’ run-heavy option attack. Logan said the defensive players, led by new coordinator Todd Grantham, got a much-needed confidence boost with the performance.

But there are still questions about the pass defense, which didn’t get much work Saturday, as the visitors threw only eight passes. This week’s opponent, Louisiana Tech, will take to the air often. In previewing that matchup (17:16), Logan says the offensive line needs to play better in some areas.

As for Ole Miss, there was a lot to like about the win against South Alabama (12:43). Receiver A.J. Brown had a huge day, and quarterback Shea Patterson completed 80 percent of his throws. However, the play of the secondary was a mixed bag, and depth along the defensive line is a concern.

The Rebs take on UT Martin, an FCS team, this week. While some observers criticize SEC teams for scheduling FCS squads, Parrish says there are a lot of good reasons to do so (10:26). For one, it will give Ole Miss a chance to work on some key areas. He says that this week (20:58), the Rebels would do well to run the ball more effectively, tackle better and see better poise from Patterson in the early going.